Utlra Slim Sanyo Xacti VPC-C6 Camcorder
I’m currently looking around for the best camcorder to buy (what a minefield!) and wanted to share some of the best buys I have discovered.
The technology at the moment seems to be at a bit of a crossroads and in a way everybody is waiting to see when we get to the next strata of technology. That next strata as far I am concerned is the camcorder with a substantial hard drive with picture quality to match. Yes there are a few hard drive camcorders that are getting very close to the finished article but their still not quite up to scratch. It won’t be long in my view.
Nonetheless on my travels in cyberspace I managed to pin down some products that crop up time and again as being worth the investment.
The first is the Ultra Slim Sanyo Xacti VPC C6.
Personally, I love a camcorder that is compact, but in the past there have always been question marks over the lack of stability that ensues. Anti camera shake engineering claims to eradicate this but it’s still not a total solution. Nonetheless, the advantages of a smaller camcorder far outweigh the disadvantages in my opinion.
The SANYO Xacti C6 captures high resolution 6-megapixel still images, VGA quality motion video with stereo audio with 60fps playback and a voice recorder function.
The C6 employs a low noise 6 megapixel CCD sensor and utilises 9-pixel mixing technology. What’s that I hear you say? This simply allows you to record clearer shots in low level light conditions.
According to Steve’s DigitalCams
“Features inherited from the C5 include a swiveling 2-inch trans-reflective color LCD screen, real-time interpolation up to 10.2 megapixels and a precision 5× optical zoom lens that remains internal to the camera body with a fast and accurate 5-point auto focus system. Most instances of camera shake will be eliminated or greatly reduced by the digital image stabilization system. Never again will precious photo opportunities be missed, because the versatile Xacti C6 can take high-resolution digital still images while simultaneously recording motion video.
The C6 captures still images in standard JPEG-format and records video in the high-quality MPEG-4 standard. Both formats are recorded to a Secure Digital memory card (sold separately). CD-quality stereo sound is captured in the AAC format. When using a 1GB Secure Digital memory card, you can record up to 1 hour of VGA resolution (640×480 pixels) video at 30 frames-per-second in the “TV-HQ” mode (MPEG-4 bit rate: 2 Mbps). The Xacti C6 achieves the world’s first 60 fps (frames-per-second) TV output. The result is notably smoother video playback on your TV screen.”
If you’re interested in the external aesthetics the Xacti C6 is available in gold, red and black colors)
Weighting in at 5.6 oz with battery and memory card the C6 is the one of the world’s lightest and smallest (2.7 × 4.2 inches) camcorders.
Still and video files can be easily uploaded via a USB 2.0 high speed interface to a PC.
Overall, I think if you want a light and easy to use camcorder that fits into a pocket the C6 might be the answer.
Xacti C6 Full Features:
• Compact and ultra-thin (less than an inch!) metal alloy body
• 6-megapixel CCD imager with 10.2-megapixel interpolated mode
•5× optical zoom lens with 38-190mm 35mm equivalent coverage
• Digital image stabilizer for shake-free stills and movies
• 9-pixel mixture technology for improved video recording in low light
• Capture hi-resolution still images during movie recording
• Automatic macro focus switching with Super Macro to 1cm
• 2.0” swiveling TFT color LCD monitor
• Advanced TTL 5-point autofocus system with manual focus option
• Program Auto, 7 Scene modes and Movie recording
• Up to one hour of 640×480 / 30fps, MPEG-4 video recording with stereo sound on a 1GB SD memory card
• Composite video and S-Video outputs for TV viewing
• MPEG-4 Stereo Audio provides superb 48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-channel sound
• Voice recorder function: up to 16.8 hours recording w/1GB card
• Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted and Spot options
• White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
• Talking Navigation Guide is helpful for first-time users
• Color filters: Cosmetic, B&W, Sepia
• ISO speeds from 50-400 still image, 450-3600 in movie mode
• Built-in stereo microphones and speaker
• Built-in flash with red-eye correction mode
• Secure Digital/SDHC card storage
• Multifunction Docking Station and wireless remote control
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger included
• Leather carrying case included
• Exif Print, Print Image Matching III and PictBridge Compatible
• USB 2.0 high speed plug-n-play connectivity for PC and Mac
Retails for around $500 (£250)
READER COMMENTS:
No comments yet.
In order to write this post or review the author may have tested complimentary services or goods to ascertain an accurate picture of quality and standards. It is important for us to declare this so that our readership fully understand that we are where possible speaking from experience when reviewing a product or service. In spite of this, we aim to maintain high journalistic standards and provide useful objective analysis.